Beat the cold with 9 essential base layers for cold-weather dressing

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Feb. 10, 2015, 3:55 PM GMT / Source: TODAY

By Kate Winick

The weather outside is certainly frightful, so how do you stay warm (and stylish) when it’s freezing? The secret is in what lies beneath — the clever materials and multi-functional pieces that keep you warm without adding bulk.

Consider these the building blocks to your seasonal wardrobe and well worth the investment for years to come. Bring it on, winter weather!

There’s a reason you’ll spot HeatTech on everyone from fashion editors to firefighters — the stuff just works. Lightweight, stretchy and available in every garment imaginable, we’re loving their new Extra Warm collection that is 1.5 times warmer than the original HeatTech fabric.

These may look like your average black opaques, but they have a hidden secret — a layer of fleece inside that will keep you toasty when wearing skirts and dresses. No one at your office will be the wiser!

Designed as fitness apparel to take your cropped leggings and tanks into year-round territory, these warmers know how to handle a workout and come in two weights (Warm & Warmer). The best part is, they work just as well under everyday clothes.

Give your fingers extra love in cold weather with these lightweight merino and Lycra glove liners. They trap in heat and wick moisture when worn within larger, insulated gloves. You'll never have to blow on your hands again!